The calendar period of September 15 – October 15 is celebrated annually as Hispanic Heritage Month, commemorating the history, culture, and positive societal impact of the U.S. Latino and Hispanic (Latinx) communities.
As part of this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, REACH’s Director of Residential Programs, Bianca Ruiz, spoke with our communications team about what Hispanic Heritage Month means to her, and how readers can support their local Hispanic communities.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
For me, Hispanic Heritage Month is about honoring the strength, beauty, and diversity of our cultures. It’s a time to celebrate our music, food, language, and traditions, but also to reflect on the struggles our families and ancestors faced so that we could have better opportunities.
As a Latina working in the domestic violence field, I also see this month as a reminder of why representation matters—when survivors see someone who speaks their language, understands their values, and “gets” their experiences, it can make all the difference in them feeling safe and understood.
Are there any issues within the work that you do at REACH that you feel disproportionately affect Hispanic community members?
Absolutely. Language access is a big one—not just having materials in Spanish or staff who speak the language, but making sure services truly meet people where they are culturally. Immigration concerns also weigh heavily; fear of deportation or losing children can prevent survivors from reaching out for help.
In many Hispanic households, there’s a deep stigma around talking about abuse or seeking outside help, which can make leaving an abusive situation even harder. Breaking through those barriers takes trust, patience, and culturally responsive advocacy.
If someone wanted to help their local Hispanic communities, what are the best ways for them to do so?
Start by listening to the community. Volunteer your time with organizations that are already doing the work. Support Hispanic-owned businesses. Advocate for policies that protect immigrant rights, affordable housing, and access to education. Even small gestures—like learning a few words in Spanish, showing up to cultural events, or simply taking the time to connect—can go a long way toward building trust and respect.
Additional Reading and Resources
Survivor Voices: Finding the Courage to Leave (a story from a Hispanic survivor who was part of REACH’s Survivor Speakers’ Bureau)
The culture of ‘Machismo’ and how it contributes to a violent society
REACH - Essential resources for local immigrant communities
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) ‘Immigrants’ Rights’ page
ACLU resource page for MA legislative bill H.1588 – The ‘Dignity not Deportations’ Act (use this tool to locate your state representative and encourage them to support this bill)
